Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is the ultimate birthday party venue for kids of all ages!
Event Inquiry Form Upon submission, an event sales representative will contact you shortly regarding facility availability and catering. Alternatively, please contact us at 803.602.0900.
Birthday Party Package
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is the ultimate birthday party venue for kids of all ages! The below ‘basic package’ has been created to save you both time and money.
For additional add-ons to make your party uniquely yours, please see below!
All Birthday Parties are 1.5 hours and take place at 11:00am or 1:00pm in one of two locations:
Held in a private, outdoor space located near the Gorillas and Kangaroo Walk-About, the Congo Classroom is a Zooper spot for your party! You’ll receive an Explore More Card with a value of $5 per guest to use through the Park for any gift, food, or attractions.
Held in a private, indoor space located steps away from the Waterfall Junction Splash Pad, your party guests are sure to have a splashing good time! You and your guests can spend the afternoon playing underneath the 25-foot cascading waterfall.
All Birthday Parties Include:
- Admission Tickets All Day Admission Tickets for Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
- Parking Parking is included in your All Day Admission Ticket Purchase
- Food & Beverage Choice of Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza or Hot Dogs with Ketchup & Mustard. Both options come with Kettle Chips, Fruit Drinks, & Water
- Birthday Gift Something Special for the Birthday Child
- Party Gear Small Activity Bag for Each Child and Simple Centerpieces for Guest Tables
$36.00 per person Includes service charge and tax
Party minimum is 20 guests (adult or child). Guests under 2 are free of charge.
*Ask about our membership discount!
Birthday Party Additions
Food & Drink:
The below food & drink items require an additional 22% service charge and 10% tax. All items must be purchased for the total number of guests in your final guest count.
| Snacks & Finger Foods: | |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Platter with Ranch Dip | $3 per person |
| Fresh Salsa with Tortilla Chips | $3 per person |
| Fried Pork Pot Stickers with Sweet Chili Sauce | $4 per person |
| BBQ Meatballs | $4 per person |
| Assorted Cheeses with Crackers & Grapes | $5 per person |
| Cheeseburger Slides (Cheddar, Ketchup, Pickles) | $5 per person |
| Southern Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip | $5 per person |
| Sides: | |
|---|---|
| Pasta Salad | $4 per person |
| Potato Salad | $4 per person |
| Fresh Fruit Salad | $4 per person |
| Fresh House Salad with Balsamic or Ranch Dressing | $4 per person |
| Beverages: | |
|---|---|
| Canned Sodas | $4 per person |
| Sweet or Unsweet Iced Tea (Bottled) | $4 per person |
| All Day Soft Drinks Wristband | $7 per person |
| Alcoholic Beverages are sold at locations throughout the park for guests 21+ | |
| Desserts: | |
|---|---|
| Candy Addition for Activity Bags | $2 per person |
| Chocolate Chip Cookies | $15 per dozen |
| Brownies | $25 per dozen |
| Rice Krispie Treats | $25 per dozen |
| Vanilla Cupcakes | $30 per dozen |
Enhancements:
The below enhancement items do not require service charge and are subject to change and availability.
| Rides & Attractions: | |
|---|---|
| Endangered Species Carousel | $2/2 EC per ride |
| Farm Experience | $2/2 EC per entry |
| Spots & Stripes Railroad | $2/2 EC per ride |
| Wild Adventure Rock Wall | $3/3 EC per climb |
| Enhancements: | |
|---|---|
| Custom Digital Invitation | $6 per design |
| Animal Encounter (30 min.) | $150 per encounter |
| Caricature Artist | Please Ask |
| Face Painter | Please Ask |
| Magician | Please Ask |
Birthday Party FAQs
Is there a member discount? Yes, a guest that is a Member receives a $14.99 discount from the $35 package price. A Membership ID or guest pass must be provided for each guest upon entry to the Zoo or Gardens.
Can I remove an item(s) from the base package? You may remove whatever items you wish; however, the price will not change, and the value of those items cannot be put towards something else.
Does the base package’s ‘per guest’ price apply to both children and adults? Yes, the price applies to any guests ages 2 years and older.
How do party guests get into the Zoo & Garden? Prior to the party, you will confirm to us your final guest numbers and make your final payment. At this point, your Admission Tickets will be available for pick up. You are responsible for distributing these tickets to your guests prior to the party, giving them entry into the Zoo & Garden. There is no will-call for events.
What decorations (and furniture) are included and is there any décor that is not allowed? We provide and set up tables and chairs to seat 20 guests, plus areas for food & beverage, gifts (and a cake if you are bringing one). Confetti, rice, bird seed, piñatas, and all types of balloons are strictly prohibited due to animal welfare reasons.
Can I bring in my own food or caterer, or take food away? No, the Zoo’s onsite caterer is contracted to provide all food and drink on Zoo premises. The exception is if you wish to bring in your own birthday cake. Taking our food off premises is not allowed.
What is a typical party schedule? You’ll have 1.5 hours of exclusive access to your Birthday Party space. Food & beverage will be dropped off 15 minutes into your reservation start time. If you add-on an animal encounter, this would occur during the last 30 minutes of your reservation. Please note that we do not staff someone to supervise or entertain children attending your party.
How do I confirm my party and make payment? We book parties on a first-come, first-served basis. A party is not confirmed with us until we receive full payment for the minimum of 20 guests, along with a signed agreement form. The booking fee is non-refundable, so please be 100% sure of your commitment when you book. You can pay by telephone with a sales representative at (803)602-0900.
What is the cancellation policy and may I reschedule? Canceled parties are non-refundable; however, you may reschedule your party dependent on availability. If you request to reschedule within the 7 days before your party, there will be an additional $75 administration fee.
Further Details on Waterfall Junction
Where is it located? Waterfall Junction is located in Riverbanks Botanical Garden. It can be accessed from either entrance, but the Botanical Garden Entrance is closest at 1300 Botanical Parkway, West Columbia, SC 29169.
Are there any restrictions? All children ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be older than 2 to play in or around the Aflac Splash Zone; children ages 2 and younger are invited to play in the Lil Sprouts Splash Zone with adult supervision. Children under age 4 must wear proper swim diapers or must be fully potty trained to play in any water features. Water shoes are recommended.
Is it open year-round? Waterfall Junction is open year-round; however, the Aflac Splash Zone will be closed during cooler months. We cannot guarantee the Aflac Splash Zone will be open on the day of your party due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Further Details on the Animal Encounters
What is it? Animal Encounters are a great way to enhance your event. For 30 minutes, your guests will have the unique opportunity to learn a little about the animal, take photos, get an up-close experience, and even touch certain species! Animal Encounters are not included in the birthday party package, but they may be added for an additional $150 fee.
Can I choose my animal? Please share your Animal Encounter preferences with your sales representative. We can never make guarantees, but we will try our best.
What booking notice is needed? We require at least three weeks’ notice to book an animal encounter, and are subject to availability on the day of due to animal welfare reasons. If your Animal Encounter is unable to be fulfilled, then your group will be provided an Explore More Gift Card amounting to $150 to utilize within the park's other animal experience areas.
Questions?
In order to save you time, please scan through the below frequently asked questions as we may have an answer for you already!
May I use my own caterer?
No, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden has an exclusive on-site event specialist caterer who is contracted for all Food & Beverage services in the Zoo and Garden. This ensures maximum efficiencies, as the layout and logistics of our venue is quite unique. Popular options include our set menus, but we can be flexible in customizing a menu to your taste, budget and vision.
Is there a Food & Beverage minimum spend?
During the peak season, we ask for a minimum spend on food & beverage. An example could be a minimum of 100 guests @ $50 per person (excl. service charge and tax) or simply achieving a minimum spend of $5,000. We can certainly be more flexible during the offpeak season!
What time can my event start and end?
General event windows are 9:00am–5:00pm and 7:00–11:00pm; however, these can be adjusted. Adding on hours to these windows is also possible for an additional fee.
What does my Facility Rental include?
We make it easy! Your facility rental generally includes in-house tables, chairs, set up, clean up and an event manager. Any quantities other than what are owned by the venue may require an additional rental fee. For all inclusions, see our ‘Extras’ info sheet.
When can we set up for our event?
You may do any ‘personal touches’ during Riverbanks’ scheduled set up window. Alternatively, if we have no other events happening before your own and we have staff on premises, we may be able to arrange a set-up time further in advance. Please discuss options with your event sales representative at time of booking.
Is A/V equipment included?
The Ndoki Lodge, Magnolia Room and Safari Camp come with a built-in PA and sound system. Some other event spaces have background music capability. Please consult with your event sales representative on your AV needs. If Riverbanks does not own it, we can certainly obtain equipment for you at great rates.
Do I need to purchase admission tickets?
If your event is during operating hours, then admission tickets are required; however, these tickets will be offered at a discounted event rate.
If some of my guests are members, do I need to pay their admission?
If you can provide your event sales representative with a valid membership number(s) for each attending guest that is a member, then you don’t have to pay admission for those particular guests.
Are there parking fees?
Yes, but the fee for parking is included in your purchase of a private event admission ticket.
May I bring in my own vendor(s)?
Yes, although if you do not choose a vendor from Riverbanks’ list of ‘Preferred Vendors’, then you must seek written approval from your event sales representative. Your new vendor must agree to Riverbanks’ ‘Vendor Procedures’ in order to receive such approval or they will not be allowed to enter the premises.
Do you offer any discounts?
If your event is at an off-peak time, then we would either be able to offer a discount or some kind of added-value. Alternatively, we have set packages that have discounts built in for Picnics and Meetings.
Do you host menu tastings?
Our executive chef hosts group tastings twice a year, which are free to attend. Alternatively we can set up a private tasting for a small fee to cover our catering costs.
Can I tentatively hold a date?
Yes, we will be happy to place a temporary 14-day hold on your date and space(s) and during this time no other parties can hold it. After 14 days, and possibly without notification, we must be fair and accept other offers.
How can I confirm my event?
To confirm your event we require 1.) a signed contract, and 2.) a deposit which is the value of your Facility Rental plus 25% of all remaining charges. When we receive both items, your event is firmly secured in our event calendar. Until both requirements are received, we reserve the right to accept other offers for the date and space(s) you are considering for your event.